Harrington crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
155 recorded in this period, compared with 123 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Harrington
Harrington is a coastal town located in the Mid-Coast Council local government area of New South Wales, within the 2427 postcode district. Situated at the mouth of the Manning River on the state's Mid North Coast, the locality is bounded by the Tasman Sea to the east and Crowdy Bay National Park to the north. Demographically, Harrington functions primarily as a coastal residential and retirement hub, characterized by a stable population that experiences seasonal influxes of holidaymakers and tourists.
Local life in Harrington is centered around coastal recreation, fishing, and tourism. The town's proximity to the Manning River and local surf beaches supports commercial and recreational fishing, boating, and swimming. Essential amenities include local retail shops, dining options, and accommodation tailored to visitors, while broader commercial, educational, and medical services are accessed nearby in Taree or Port Macquarie. The surrounding national park areas offer bushwalking and nature conservation reserves integral to the region's lifestyle.
European settlement in the area dates back to the 19th century, driven by the timber industry and maritime trade utilizing the Manning River entrance. Harrington was officially gazetted as a village in the late 1800s to serve as a port and pilot station, assisting vessels navigating the shifting river bar. Several historical buildings and maritime sites remain within the locality, reflecting its origins as a regional coastal port before the expansion of inland road and rail networks.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 17 | 6 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 17 | 24 |
| Breach bail conditions | 14 | 7 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 14 | 16 |
| Malicious damage to property | 13 | 8 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 10 | 10 |
| Other theft | 10 | 5 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 9 | 11 |
| Fraud | 7 | 10 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 6 | 4 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 6 | 0 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 5 | 2 |
| Sexual assault | 4 | 4 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 3 | 1 |
| Cultivating cannabis | 2 | 1 |
| Other offences against the person | 2 | 1 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 2 | 1 |
| Possession and/or use of other drugs | 2 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 3,381 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.